I’ve been thinking about how many ways the Enemy tries to prevent or discourage us in obeying God’s call for our family to GO…to Guatemala. Sometimes, I take it as a personal challenge…like, what are you going to throw at us now?
![]() |
Reagan, just hours after we arrived in Guat. |
Morgan, after a childish accident. |
Not long after this, Britt and I decided we were very glad that our first experience in Guatemala was without kids. We very well might not have heard God when he whispered in our ears, “I want you to GO”.
Not all of the Enemy’s attempts to prevent or discourage us are through physical means as in the picture of us trying to work in Guatemala with two pre-schoolers wearing us down. Probably more so are emotionally minded…bringing it on through my own thought process…feelings of inadequacy. I came home in March realizing how I was NOT cut out for this new task God was handing me.
I don’t do well with people. Really. I mean, I feel inadequate dealing with people. Actually, maybe it’s more so my peers. Britt is the people person. He does awesome with people in a way that truly amazes me. I do love kids. You might think that because I have so many. But it’s not so much my own that I’m talking about. Oh, don’t get me wrong. Of course, I love my kids. But my love for kids is usually stirred by their great need and their strong desire to learn. Take for example my little fourth grader in Awana. Last night she told me about her family life…as if it’s normal to have 5 step-sibblings all from different boyfriends or girlfriends of her biological parents. Off-the-subject, but I love this little gal. A few weeks ago Britt did a little mini-presentation to the 3rd-6th grade Awana clubbers on our trip to Guatemala. He told about the school/feeding center we’re building and in general what we will be doing. When I took my little gals back to listen to their memory work, both of their eyes were huge and had a million questions all-at-once. I couldn’t keep up with them. Rosa (her mother is from Guatemala originally), was so anxious to know all the details that they were sure Mr. Harman must not have included in his info. My heart bulged at their eagerness and curiosity.
Up until last week, my inadequacies weighed heavy on my heart. But then God started bringing all these reminders my way. It seemed like everything I read was shouting, “God does not call the equipped. He equips the called.” A whole chapter I read to the kids from Kisses from Katie spoke just of this very thing. I wept. Right in front of the kids…they’re used to it and were warned before I started that book. Why does God ask us to do things we don’t think we can do? Of course, so He can show us His awesomeness in using my inadequateness to accomplish His purpose so that He might be greater glorified.
Dr. Carlos stitching Britt up after the Schmidt’s oven exploded. |
There have been many more ways that the Enemy has tried to prevent or discourage our set course. However, he must not realize who he’s dealing with. Britt and I are both very strong-willed and I am rather stubborn (not the best quality to pass on to my kids). If he thinks he can overcome us, he may as well not waste his time. We have God standing in front of us…guiding us…His angels surrounding us. Obviously. Or this Guatemala thing wouldn’t be a thing.
I love this!! You have much to teach me... I hesitate to say 'bring it on!' ; )
ReplyDelete